Meet a Roadrunner: Honors College student is an advocate for female service members and veterans

UTSA Honors College student awarded fellowship from Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University.

(Nov. 6, 2018) -- A UTSA Honors College student is the recipient of the 2018 Focus Forward Fellowship and hopes to share the untold stories of female veterans and service members who may be struggling with mental health problems and trauma due to sexual assault and other tough circumstances.

JenniferBrett enlisted in the U.S. Navy soon after high school and served for 20 years as a Sonar Technician, working on ships and instructing other sailors.

During her military service, Brett experienced sexual assault and said she didn’t let terrible experiences define her. Instead, she made it her mission to support other women who experienced similar traumas.

After retiring from the Navy in May of 2016 and moving with her family to San Antonio, Brett decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree at UTSA.

The Massachusetts native and mother of two, is a multidisciplinary studies major enrolled in the UTSA Honors College. Brett is currently studying topics affecting women in the military community.

“That’s my background. I was in the military for a long time and know the challenges women face firsthand,” said Brett.

Brett secured the opportunity to network and hear the stories of several successful women from across the nation during the 2018 Focus Forward Fellowship hosted by the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. The fellowship is designed to help student, women veterans build skills, leadership and a sense of community with their peers.

The Honors College student was one of about 20 women selected from 18 different colleges and universities, representing five branches of service, to be chosen for this fellowship.

“This was a transformative experience in a lot of ways. I gained professional development skills, learned about different leadership styles, had my resume reviewed and got tips on how to be successful during interviews,” said Brett.

Brett says the experience changed her life and she now has a support system of empowering female colleagues and mentors that she speaks to regularly.

The fellowship continues with web-based activities, while she’s at UTSA, that allow her to learn tips on how to apply for graduate school and achieve her professional goals.

“I know the obstacles female veterans and service members face and I want to make sure women in the military get the opportunity to have their stories told. We don’t hear or tell their stories enough,” said Brett. “In many cases, women are hesitant to share their experiences, especially if they suffered serious trauma.”

Brett is majoring in anthropology with minors in women’s studies and linguistics. She is expected to graduate in December of 2019 and plans to attend graduate school and is considering becoming a professor one day.

“My goal is to somehow get these women’s stories on paper to be saved. The world doesn’t know the impact we’ve made on the military,” explained Brett.

Winterlude Concert Series 2018: Ensemble Performances

The second of three in the annual holiday concert series which will feature the Chamber Singers (Santa Baby), Saxophone Ensemble (Sleigh Ride), Jazz Ensemble (Sugar Rum Cherry), Flute Ensemble and more performing holiday favorites. Admission $10.

UTSA Football vs. North Texas

College of Engineering Tech Symposium

This event showcases innovative student projects and research performed across multiple disciplines. The symposium is designed to provide a public venue where UTSA senior engineering students to present advances achieved in their design projects.

OIT Digital Experience (DEx) Lab Grand Opening

Join the Office of Information Technology for the grand opening of the Digital Experience Lab (DEx Lab). The DEx Lab is open to the entire UTSA community and contains innovative learning tools and serves as a virtual reality lab.

UTSA Mexican American Studies program to celebrate 25 years

The College of Education and Human Development’s Mexican American Studies (MAS) program will celebrate its 25thanniversary with a special celebration on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at the UTSA Downtown Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

UTSA Dance Showcase: Taking Flight

The students will perform in a showcase of modern, jazz, and ballet dances choreographed by Megan Rulewicz, Randi Miles and Michelle Pietri. Tickets are $10. Parking is free in the Cattleman's Square Lot.

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